British Irish Lions Omit Wales Captain Jac Morgan for First Australia Test

Jac Morgan, the Wales captain and Ospreys flanker, has been omitted from the British and Irish Lions' starting XV for the first Test against Australia, marking the first time since 1896 that no Welsh players are in the Lions' matchday 23. Despite Morgan's strong performances on tour, coach Andy Farrell has favored England's Tom Curry for the openside flanker position, with other back-row spots going to players from Ireland and England. Owen Farrell is also reportedly excluded from the matchday squad, with Marcus Smith expected to be on the bench instead. This omission underscores the struggles facing Welsh rugby, which recently ended an 18-match losing streak but still faces uncertainty and a challenging recovery ahead. Rugby legend Graham Price emphasizes the need for pragmatism in measuring Wales' progress, focusing on wins against lower-ranked teams and improved performances in upcoming international fixtures. The situation reflects a broader decline in Welsh rugby prominence compared to historic successes and recent Lions tours where Welsh players featured prominently.